New Lightning defenseman Lukas Krajicek remained in Vancouver late Thursday awaiting immigration issues to clear up and allow him to travel to Tampa to join his new team. Krajicek, 25, was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks on Monday in a deal that sent defenseman Shane O’Brien and right wing Michel Ouellet to the Canucks.

Both Lightning head coach Barry Melrose and vice president of hockey operations Brian Lawton indicated Krajicek expressed optimism the defenseman could join the Lightning as soon as Friday and be ready to play in Saturday’s home opener against Carolina. If Krajicek is not able to have the issue cleared up in time, the Lightning would likely bring up either Vladimir Mihalik - who played in Tampa Bay’s opening two games in Prague, Czech Republic - or Matt Smaby to play Saturday.

Center Ryan Craig, who suffered a groin strain during practice on Wednesday and walked with a noticeable limp, is still expected to be out at least a few days, although he said on Thursday he was feeling better and was walking better.

While Craig missed practice, center Jussi Jokinen returned to the ice after being excused from practice on Wednesday to attend to a personal matter.